36 weeks pregnant… some days it’s hard to believe I’m this far into the journey and so close to meeting my first child. What do you mean I’m going to be a parent?! I mean, I knew we were having a baby, but it’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that we are bringing a human into the world. A human that is half of me and half of Hubbs. A human that we will be solely responsible for. A human we are expected to teach right from wrong, prepare for the world and love unconditionally. I know we can do the last part because we already do. I’m going to have a DAUGHTER or a SON. WOW.
And then, on the other hand, I feel so ready. We have the ‘stuff’. We’ve read books. We’ve been around other babies. We are ready to meet our little one. Parenthood? Bring it.
My clothes are ready, too. They can’t hold in the belly much longer.
It’s strange not knowing which pregnancy post will be my last, so I wanted to talk a little about the symptoms I’ve experienced throughout pregnancy. This interests me because I always thought everyone felt the same things. Well, they don’t!
Let’s start with what I expected to happen that never did…
- I never threw up.
- I never had bowel problems of any kind.
- I never had any swelling.
- I never became crazy hormonal. A few extra tears here and there? Sure, but I thought I’d be a mess and drive Hubbs crazy. I think I did OK.
- I never took medicine. I thought I’d have to have a tylenol for a headache or allergy meds when things got tough, but I never did. I’m proud of that.
I did experience some of the common symptoms, though, including occasional headaches, 1st trimester exhaustion, food aversions and even a fun craving or two! And now, it’s safe to say I have a bit of a waddle 🙂
Then there were some symptoms that I never knew came with pregnancy, but evidently they can be common. Some of my weirdest symptoms included:
- Nose bleeds. They were never severe, but I’m not the kind of person who gets these so they freaked me out at first. Apparently they are incredibly normal with the increased blood volume you get during pregnancy.
- Furry belly. No, my tummy doesn’t look like an ape, but once I became pregnant I noticed the fine, light hairs I had on my belly turned a little darker and more noticeable. I’m just glad I’m not the only one.
- Popping back. It started happening around week 30. I’d notice when I sit, stood, walked, etc that my lower back would pop, pop, POP like I was trying to crack it. It isn’t painful at all. My doctor says it’s just my body producing relaxin, the hormone that loosens up my joints to allow Baby D to slide out. Good to know it’s working, even if it does sound like I’m a walking bowl of Rice Krispies.
- Sensitive tongue. Though it hasn’t stopped me from eating whatever I want, I’ve noticed eating tomatoes, garlic, citrus and a few other strong flavors that my tongue gets irritated. In fact, the doctor even said I might have a mild case of geographic tongue, which apparently happens sometimes in pregnancy due to hormonal surges and should go away once I’m not pregnant anymore.
So that’s a quick run down of the odd and unexpected, but where are we now?
- 36 weeks and 2 days pregnant
- At my doctor appointment last Friday I had my first internal exam. The doctor was surprised to find my cervix is already soft- WAHOO!
- Blood pressure: 112/64 – hoping it stays that way
- Braxton Hicks contractions: All. The. Time.
- Also feeling a lot of pressure in my pelvis and sometimes Baby D feels like s/he is trying to escape!
- Total pounds gained: 29
- Workouts per week: closer to 4 than 5- Fridays are doctor visits and I’m find that I’m skipping the gym.
- Hours spent of Etsy: too many.
According to my iPhone app, I’m carrying a watermelon… like Baby from Dirty Dancing.
What’s the weirdest pregnancy symptom you’ve ever heard of or experienced?
erin says
You look fabulous!
I never had any swelling (weird as I gained way too much weight), never threw up, never had heartburn (thanks to carrying very low) and wasn’t at all hormona (then again I am not an overly emotional person to begin with).
Weird symptom….I went through a 2 month period in the beginning of the 2nd trimester where I had insanely dry and itchy skin on my legs. We’re talking waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to scratch the skin off it was so bad. I would lube up with all sorts of oils and lotions. Then it just went away. Weird!
erin says
oh and can I add insomnia. I had terrible insomnia the last month or so. I was up just about every night from 3-5am. It was awful, but i guess it also prepared me for life with a newborn:)
Jen says
So fun! All of your “never” symptoms are true for me (so far) too. My back doesn’t pop but my ankles and knees do!
My most surprising symptom that didn’t happen was no boob growth. I thought that was a given. Oh well. I was also surprised by how intense the fatigue is. I seriously thought it would be comparable to the feeling after a marathon, but it’s so much worse.
You look amazing! I can’t believe your baby is going to be here so soon 🙂
Sam says
OMG that last photo is ridiculously cute! I love it. It seriously looks like you just have a beachball under there! Some of those symptoms are definitely odd, I never would have thought you would get nose bleeds or a hairy belly. Oh the joys of the human body 🙂
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well says
I’ve never been pregnant before and haven’t really heard of any weird symptoms…
But you look fabulous and I’m so glad to hear you didn’t have any of the crazy symptoms you were expecting! Glad to hear it doesn’t happen to everyone!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
You don’t know what you’re having? That is super exciting. I certainly would not be able to not know! You’re looking amazing! You and my sister are due around the exact same time – I can’t wait to see both of the babies! 🙂
Brittany says
We planned on not finding out, but it drove me crazy, so Hubbs and I know what we’re having, but no one else does.. including family! I can’t wait to be able to tell everyone- it’s driving me crazy! 🙂
Good luck to your sis!!
Colby Stellhorn says
Hi Brittany- I hope you see this comment…. I live in Mooresville and the hubby and I are trying for bambino #1. All of my girlfriends are in Charlotte and subsequently I decided to go to an obgyn down near the city… now I am thinking “What was I thinking? Being in labor and I77 in rush hour”??? If you have a moment would you mind emailing me at colbystellhorn01@yahoo.com to recommend a baby doc in the LKN area? Thanks so much!
Brittany says
emailing you now 🙂
Sarah says
I think one of my most unexpected symptoms has been the pain I’ve been getting in the right side of my butt. I found out that can happen when you have a big belly pulling on the sciatic nerve.
Brittany says
Oh, I’ve heard that sciatic pain can really suck. Hope it eases up on you soon 🙂
Jen says
i think it’s fascinating how every woman’s experience with pregnancy is so different.
you are all belly and too freaking cute! hang in there!
blackhuff says
One thing that I have to give to you, is the fact that you stayed so healthy right throughout your pregnancy. You did not stop with your exercises. You did not stop eating healthy. You did everything right in giving your baby the best possible chance when he comes out. Now that is something!
I am happy that you feel prepared for baby’s coming. I was not. I was nervous as hell and was not prepared emotionally. Or so I thought until baby was born and then I was baffled at myself of how I grew up in one night 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I cannot wait for this baby to get here! 🙂 [I know I’m preaching to the choir on that one…]
However, I must say that blogging is helping me in so many ways. If I ever get married, I have Maria to turn to for advice…and if I am ever pregnant, well I’ve totally got you!
Brittany says
And I have you to learn about all those crazy foods I’ve never heard of before! 🙂
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
I feel like we have had A LOT of the same symptoms – I was never sick, I have absolutely no swelling, and I definitely have nosebleeds. It’s amazing how different pregnancy is for everyone! I was surprised that my skin is actually CLEARER during pregnancy! Can’t complain about that! But, I hate the my skin all over my body is extremely sensitive. I just don’t even want anything touching my body and it hurts like heck to shave – razor burn much? Yuck.
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
You and I were pretty similar with our symptoms besides the nose bleeds. But I had really bad skin, I never got the “glow” and had very sensitive skin. Like Kristen I got a lot of razor burn … but I guess who cares right when you can’t even see your lady parts anymore 🙂
Geez it feels like yesterday we met in Pilates class and now your having a baby like any day now! I’m so excited to get our little ones together!
marci says
Glad to hear you say you never threw up. I am 9 weeks and haven’t yet. And good to know you didn’t take medicine, I am hoping to not catch a cold or anything like that. Hope I’m as easy as your other symptoms and non symptoms! Looking great!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
You.are.adorable.pregnant!
And you already know but I had my first nosebleed…which was only made even more random because a) I’ve never had one in my whole life and b)I’d just read about it being a pregnancy symptom the day before. Maybe I’m just suggestable? 😉
Tina says
consider yourself lucky you didn’t have all those first symptoms! Although I never had nose bleeds so hate to hear you dealt with that. ick. And the hairy belly. Blah. i still have random hairs!
Brittany says
So the random hairs don’t go away?! Guess I better get some good tweezers 🙂
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I feel like I have learned a lot through your experience and will be a little more prepared for my own when the time comes, so thank you for sharing this with us.
I forgot to play along in your baby pool but I am convinced that Baby D is a boy! Can’t wait to find out! 🙂
Maria says
I’d take any of those weird symptoms over throwing up any day! I hope I have a pregnancy just like yours one of these day! You look great, you can workout, you eat healthy food, etc!
Can’t believe it’s coming so soon! Good luck!
RhodeyGirl says
Unexpected symptoms:
-a few of the ones you listed
-stuffy nose ALL THE TIME. Once the nose bleeds stopped they were replaced by a stuff nose. Very annoying for someone who wasn’t used to that.
-leg pain, which my massage therapist says is from my sciatic nerve. I wake up every night so uncomfortable from the pain.
-kicks in the pelvis or cervix or i don’t know where! Those internal jabs (which are probably head butts right?) are SO uncomfortable. Sometimes they stop me dead in my tracks and I have to lean over and breathe until he stops.
-the linea nigra. I didn’t think I would get that since I have very olive skin, but I have it bad. It is funny.
Are you finding that you’re hanging at home a lot more now? I find that I don’t have the energy to do all the stuff I used to do, but I’m BORED at home. I think maybe also because I don’t want the baby to come too early, and when I go out the BH and cramps get a lot worse. Even when I do housework they get bad now. It’s so frustrating.
Brittany says
I have a linea nigra just under my belly button and it’s crooked!! It looks so funny. And yes, those cervix jabs make my eyes open wide every time.
I’m a bit of a home body, so I’m at home a lot, but trying to force myself to get out and get things done, because I imagine I’ll be at home quite a bit once Baby D arrives.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
aaaah, I love reading these. 🙂 and so cool to hear not EVERY preggo throws up or has bowel problems! thanks for making me not hate the impending future of pregnancy… one day. 😉
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
You’re looking fab! Sounds like overall it has been a pretty great pregnancy! Lucky you! Hopefully delivery will be the same 🙂
I can’t wait to hear the news!!!!!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
YAY!!! You look so adorable! I can’t wait for Baby D to come!
Graze With Me says
Weirdest pregnancy symptom (well, one of many) for me would be the very first symptom I experienced – a swollen thyroid. I was charting my cycle so when I say the FIRST symptom, I mean it. I ovulated December 21st and by the 24th I felt like a had a golf ball in my throat at all times. It was so annoying! I actually called the doctor for an emergency visit one day because I couldn’t breathe but they couldn’t see me until after New Year’s. I found out I was preggo on New Year’s Day so I just kept the appt and asked them to double check for me – pretty cool!
Also the entire 2nd trimester I was plagued with yeast infections but once the 3rd tri hit, they magically disappeared. YAY!
You look fantastic and I can’t wait to follow along with your new and exciting journey! It’s so nice to “know” someone who is going through the same things.
Nyssa Biszko says
I know it’s been years since this post, but I found this SO encouraging! It popped up when I searched for this symptom. SAME problem! I ovulated and within days after I felt like I swallowed a golf ball… or someone is choking me. Eek! What did they end up doing about it? Was it a problem with the thyroid or just a symptom. Did it continue?
Paulina says
My most suprising symptom is sciatic nerve pain. The baby has been pressing on my nerve since about month 5 or so and its just getting worse as she gets bigger! Luckily its not every day, and most days I’m completely fine and happy. Good luck getting through the last month, actually, that was news to me too! I always 9 months pregnant meant 9 months, but we’re actually pregnant for 10.
Alex @ The Plum Foodie says
I suppose the weirdest pregnancy symptom I experienced was my craving of SOUR things…. lemons, SOUR PATCH KIDS, anything really sour. I think I ate a good handful or 2 of Sour Patch Kids every day. Haven’t had a single one since my daughter was born. Isn’t that weird??
Brittany says
There was a couple weeks during my early second tri when I kept sour patch kids in the car for the same reason- too funny!
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
hahaha walking bowl or rice krispies!
Parita says
You are a rock star on so many levels! I can’t wait to read about how it all goes for you – fabulously I’m sure! Sending positive thoughts your way!
Lessons in Life and Light says
Popping over from Linzi’s blog! Congrats on your pregnancy!
The weirdest thing that happened to me while I was pregnant was when I threw up on myself IN my car WHILE I was driving, lol. But it wasn’t morning sickness! It was the only time I ever got sick during my whole pregnancy and it was because of something I drank that morning. Ha!
I wrote about it here: http://lessonsinlifeandlight.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/i-puked/
Jenny says
I have to say I am a bit jealous that you didn’t have any of those pregnancy symptoms! I’m only 15 weeks pregnant….and I have had all the “normal” symptoms! I am so happy that you have had a wonderful pregnancy and you look beautiful!
Kristin says
I just found your blog linked from Caitlin’s- you are too adorable pregnant! I hope I look like you in 26 weeks! I’m 10 weeks and I’m still super sick and tired.
I was surprised to see people talking about sensitive skin as a symptom- I’ve been dying my legs are so itchy. I thought it was just me! I use all products for sensitive skin like tide free etc already but I still have itchy, irritated legs and I scratch like a madwoman at night laying in bed.
Brittany says
Congratulations! At 10 weeks, you’re so close to being out of those pesky 1st tri symptoms, so hang in there 🙂 I had a friend who had such itchy legs that she would scratch hard and make her legs bleed in her sleep without knowing it- OUCH!
Jennie @ Jmacmommy says
Hi! You are very, very lucky to have avoided the throwing up! I got sick often! I also developed carpal tunnel (who knew that came with pregnancy?) I am new to your blog so if you have already talked about this, I’m sorry…but I’m curious! What is your birth vision? I hope it all goes really well for you! I’m enjoying catching up on back posts as a new reader! Thanks for the inflammation news…very interesting!
Brittany says
I’m really hoping to go all natural. I wrote a post about my decision here : http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/2011/08/04/why-i-am-choosing-natural-childbirth/
I went to a mommy and me play group today (a bit premature but it was fun ;)) and SO many women there said they developed carpal tunnel syndrome, too. Crazy! but it must be pretty common. Who knew?!
Katie @ Legally Fit says
You look awesome, as always! I never threw up (though I did have nausea) nor did I have any bowel issues. I also haven’t taken any meds, though there were times I’ve wanted something for back pain relief! I definitely have swelling in my hands, haha. I’ve had a bloody nose multiple times and a furrier belly. I haven’t experienced BH contractions yet, interestingly. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 10 (!!) weeks will bring 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
you are definitely my most favorite pregnant woman EVER. 🙂
Molly @ Duchess of Fork says
I definitely hope your blood pressure stays low! Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are very scary. My blood pressure was great until 38 weeks. Make sure your doctor keeps a close eye on it. Best of luck in these last few weeks!
Brittany says
I haven’t had any swelling at all, but woke up in the middle of the night last night and could barely get my ring off. All I could think about was ‘my blood pressure!!!’ and I was freaking out. This morning, things are back to normal and I’m hoping it’s just the salty soup I ate last night that caused the fat fingers, but I agree, it’s scary and I hope mine stays down!
Rigel says
IVF Fraternal Twin Girl Pregnancy Symptoms
#1. Nausea and smell aversions
#2. Constipation and therefore hemroids
#3. Food cravings and aversions
#4. Fatigue
#5. Weird, crazy rashes (thighs, hips, legs)
#6. High BP (had to go on bedrest the last three weeks) delivered my girls at 39 weeks via elective csection that almost wasn’t elective due to fetal distress.
Somethings they don’t tell you about the csection and post-csection recovery…#1. the spinal can make you sick to your stomach (thankfully the antinausea meds provided by the nurse anesthitist counteracted the nausea), #2. your incision doesn’t always heal properly, (my scar had to heal by secondary intent because it wouldn’t heal by itself the first time), the drugs they gave me for the spinal cause BAD constipation (I had to have my hubby give me TWO enemas to clear my bowels, an experience that was almost worse than the csection).
THEY WERE WORTH ALL THIS!!!! 🙂
Www.Laurenmotors.Com says
Take care , your brand new follower .
Lili says
Hello. I know this is a old post but I wonder if your sensitive tongue disappeared after giving birth. Thanks
Brittany Dixon says
It went away after I started taking more iron! All gone now 🙂
lili says
Hei. Thanks for answering. Did you take a blood test first to check iron or just decided to take iron?
Thanks
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, I had my blood checked by my doctor.